Business Development Associate

The Company

8 Rivers is a Durham, NC firm focused on the invention, development, and commercialization of sustainable, infrastructure-scale solutions to global problems through impactful technologies. The company maintains the agility, creativity, and fast-paced environment of a start-up, while partnering with large, industry-leading companies to develop and deploy those technologies. Our process enables us to innovate in industrial fields that are lacking in creative disruption. 8 Rivers has demonstrated expertise in generating and commercializing large-scale, meaningful solutions to some of the most challenging problems facing the world today and across a variety of industries in the clean energy, carbon capture, and clean fuels sectors.

The company innovates widely in adjacent markets in the clean tech space. Some of our marquee technologies include the Allam-Fetvedt Cycle - a zero-emission power production system that enables low-cost power production with inherent carbon capture, 8RH2 - our innovative clean hydrogen technology utilizing autothermal reforming to achieve 99% carbon capture, and Calcite our direct air capture process that was selected as a finalist in the Carbon Removal XPrize.

The Opportunity

Were seeking aBusiness Development (BD) Associate to identify, analyze, and support growth opportunities for the company. This position requires a mix of strategic thinking, market knowledge, and influencing skills to support the BD team pursue strategic initiatives. This role is ideal for candidates interested in strategy, market development, and corporate growth within the dynamic and innovative clean energy industry.

Responsibilities

1. Business Development Initiatives: Collaborate with the Business Development team to identify, evaluate, and pursue new growth opportunities. Provide research and analytical support for partnerships, licensing deals, joint ventures, and acquisitions. Track and monitor the performance of existing partnerships and provide insights to improve collaboration.
2. Proposal Development: Support the preparation of proposals, pitch decks, and other materials for potential partners, clients, and stakeholders. Ensure proposals align with the companys goals and highlight the value proposition of projects or partnerships.
   
3. Market Research and Analysis: Conduct comprehensive market research to identify trends, competitive dynamics, and potential business opportunities in the clean energy, chemical process, and industrial sectors. Analyze market data to assess the viability of new projects, products, or partnerships. Prepare reports and presentations to inform leadership on market conditions and strategic opportunities.
   
4. Strategic Planning: Assist in developing strategic plans for entering new markets, launching new products, or scaling existing operations. Support the preparation of business cases for high-impact initiatives, including clear articulation of risks, benefits, and alignment with corporate objectives.
   
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal teams (engineering, finance, legal, and operations) to gather inputs and ensure business development initiatives are aligned with organizational capabilities. Act as a liaison between external partners and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless collaboration and communication.
   
6. Tracking and Reporting: Develop and maintain tracking tools to monitor the progress of business development initiatives. Prepare periodic reports for senior leadership to communicate the status and performance of business development efforts. Capture and maintain relevant customer and sales lead information.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in engineering (preferably chemical) or related business field.
  
• 2+ years' experience in the energy, carbon capture, chemical process, or thermal power generation industry.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Strong analytical skills combined with the ability to develop clear and compelling presentations.
  
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
  
• Proven written, verbal, and customer-facing skills.
  
• Able to learn and gain expertise quickly in unfamiliar topics.
  
• Able to work independently and in a matrixed team.
• Able to work outside of typical US office hours to work with global contacts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of energy transition technologies, market drivers, and regulatory frameworks.
  
• Experience with project evaluation in engineering, construction, or industrial projects, particularly in large capital projects or energy production projects.
  
• 2+ years of relevant experience in business development, market analysis, management consulting, or corporate strategy.
• Familiarity with energy-related terminology, units of measurement, and energy supply chains.